Laboratory Technician (Agriculture)

College of the Desert (CA); Palm Desert (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

College of the Desert (CA) invites applications for a Laboratory Assistant to support instructors in planning, organizing, and presenting classroom and lab materials at the Palm Desert Campus. This role also involves scheduling supplies and assisting academic staff with administrative tasks.

Responsibilities include tutoring students, ensuring safety, maintaining inventory, administering tests, and helping with lab setup and maintenance across multiple district locations including Mecca/Thermal.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Some college coursework with grade C or better in related subject.
• Four years of field experience, including at least one year in a laboratory or related environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist instructors in planning and presenting classroom and lab materials.
• Set up supplies and equipment; supervise lab activities.
• Tutor students individually or in small groups.
• Maintain safety and security of materials and equipment.
• Maintain laboratory environment and perform minor maintenance on landscape equipment.
• Administer and score tests; maintain student records and reports.
• Maintain hazardous materials storage and handling.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Record keeping

Lab safety

Equipment operation

Independent work

Education

High school diploma

Some college coursework

Job description

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist instructors in the planning, organization, preparation and presentation of classroom and laboratory materials; schedule, maintain and issue supplies and equipment utilized for instructional purposes; assist academic staff by handling administrative functions.

• Assist instructors in the planning, organization, preparation and presentation of classroom and laboratory materials; set up supplies and equipment. E
• Tutor students individually or small groups in a variety of instructional and tutorial situations; prepare or oversee students in preparation of laboratory setups. E
• Oversee safety and security of instructional materials and equipment. E
• Maintain laboratory environment in a safe, clean and orderly condition; mix, apply and spray chemical applications and herbicides as required. E
• Maintain storeroom and inventory records, equipment, supplies, other materials; maintain and perform minor maintenance on landscape equipment and vehicles as assigned. E
• Receive, issue, store and care for laboratory, classroom, shop, tool room or other instructional material and maintain facilities in a clean and orderly condition.
• Administer and score tests as assigned; maintain student record and test files; develop reports as requested. E
• Maintain hazardous materials storage and handling as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Principles, practices, procedures and equipment of assigned subject area; laboratory equipment and materials safety regulations involving area of specialty; hazardous materials storage and handling; record-keeping techniques; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; district organization, operations, policies and objectives; technical aspects of field of specialty; oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Ability to:

Perform specialized and technical duties to assure efficient lab operations; provide information and assistance to students and staff; assure the care and security of assigned equipment, materials and supplies; maintain learning equipment in proper working order; issue and receive equipment and supplies; plan and organize work; understand and follow oral and written directions; work independently with little direction; communicate effectively both orally and in writing to exchange information; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; meet schedules and time lines; maintain records and prepare reports; operate laboratory equipment; research new methods, materials and equipment related to assigned subject area; reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; bend at the waist; stand for extended periods of time. E

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school, supplemented by successful completion of some college level coursework with a grade of “C” or better in a related subject area and four years’ experience in field of specialty with at least one year experience in a laboratory setting or work environment directly associated with the assignment.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Valid California driver's license and must have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment: Laboratory environment. Driving a vehicle to conduct work. Subject to exposure to chemicals and other harmful substances. Schedule may vary based on department or instructional needs.

• Classified Bargaining Unit Position
• E = Essential Functions

Salary Placement:

• Classified Staff Salary Range 10
• Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.
• Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria)

SCHEDULE & LOCATION:

• This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
• The schedule is Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.
• This position will support instruction and services at multiple District location, including Palm Desert Campus, Mecca/Thermal, and local high school sites. The assigned work location and schedule may vary depending on course offerings and operational needs.
• The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need. Schedule may vary based on department or instructional needs.
• May include some evening or weekend assignments.